Manchester United vs Middlesbrough news: Red Devils look to extend impressive home record in FA Cup
- Sean Fisher
- 3 February 2022
Having dropped out of the title race, Manchester United’s best hopes of a trophy this season lie in the FA Cup, but an in-form Middlesbrough side stand in their way.
Two managers settling into new clubs meet on Friday evening, with Ralf Rangnick still looking to stabilise Manchester United and Chris Wilder having made a good early impression at play-off-chasing Championship side Middlesbrough.
But it's in the FA Cup where these two will go head-to-head, with the Red Devils hunting a 13th title and Middlesbrough eyeing their first fifth round appearance since 2017.
On paper United are understandably favourites, but their recent struggles under Rangnick could be exposed by an enthusiastic Boro outfit.
Four wins in their last five will fill Boro with confidence, and they'll be further buoyed by memories of their late winner against Mansfield Town in the third round.
When: Friday, January 4, 20:00 GMT
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
How to watch: ITV
Who is the ref for Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Anthony Taylor will take charge of Friday's tie, making his maiden appearance in the FA Cup this season.
He's taken charge of 15 Premier League games this season and United fans won't have fond memories of Taylor. The 43-year-old was the man in the middle for their 5-0 hammering against Liverpool, dishing out seven yellow cards and sending off Paul Pogba.
Taylor also took charge of United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea earlier this season, granting the Blues a penalty in the second half.
Season stats (2021/22): Premier League matches (15), yellows (59), reds (4), penalties (4)
Recent form
Both sides have enjoyed fairly positive results while adapting to life under new managers. United have lost just once in Rangnick's 10 games - a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at the start of the year.
But, back-to-back wins over Brentford and West Ham will give them confidence heading into Friday's clash, as will their recent cup record - they've won 10 consecutive FA Cup games at Old Trafford, a record dating back to 2017.
As for Middlesbrough, they've won eight of Wilder's 12 games in charge, helping them climb to seventh in the league and into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
During that run they've only conceded nine goals. And while Boro are still faltering in front of goal, they've become a sturdy outfit under the 54-year-old.
Both of their last two games ended 1-0, with the first a loss to Blackburn before they bounced back with a win over Coventry.
Players in form
After scoring an opening day hat-trick, Bruno Fernandes' form plummeted, but the Portuguese playmaker has rediscovered his spring of late, scoring twice against Aston Villa before registering two assists against Brentford.
With Rangnick returning to a 4-2-3-1 formation, not only has Fernandes' output improved, but his overall performances have looked on a par with the standard he set last season.
Last three matches
Middlesbrough 1-3 Manchester United (Premier League - March 19, 2017)
Manchester United recorded a routine victory the last time the two sides met, with Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia grabbing the goals. Rudy Gestede's second-half finish proved a mere consolation.
Boro went on to be relegated, while United finished the season in a disappointing sixth place.
Manchester United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League - December 31, 2016)
United left it late to respond, but managed to snatch all three points. Anthony Martial levelled the score with five minutes remaining on the clock before Paul Pogba netted the winner just a minute later.
Manchester United 0-0 Middlesbrough (AET: Boro won 3-1 on penalties) (League Cup - October 28, 2015)
A goalless 90 minutes void of chances epitomised much of Louis Van Gaal's reign in Manchester, and his side lost out in the resulting penalty shootout.
Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed from the spot, which allowed Ben Gibson to step up and clinch a 3-1 win in the shootout.
Managers' thoughts
Predicted Manchester United vs Middlesbrough teams
Manchester United will be boosted by the return of Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba on Friday, with the Frenchman in line to make his first appearance since early November.
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed an upturn in form and will be looking to score in a third successive game.
With David de Gea retaining the no. 1 spot in the Premier League this season, Rangnick will likely rotate and give either Tom Heaton or Dean Henderson some much-needed game-time.
Predicted Manchester United line-up: Henderson, Shaw, Maguire, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Matic, Pogba, Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho, Ronaldo
Predicted Middlesbrough line-up: Lumley, Dijksteel, Fry, McNair, Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Taylor, Sporar, Balogun
